1. Make Time for a Checkup - Even when you’re dreaming about vacation, there’s no place like home–especially a dental home base. Prevention isn’t only taking care of your teeth, it’s establishing a relationship with a dentist. If you can, schedule your next regular visit before your trip.  Have a thorough exam so we can spot any problems before they happen. You’ll have peace of mind, and your dentist will have the most up-to-date information on your teeth, including x-rays.

2. In Case of Emergency - Have your dentist’s contact info handy in your cell phone or keep a business card in your wallet. More dental emergencies can be resolved over the phone than you might think (especially if you keep up regular visits).  As a patient, it’s hard to know the difference between something that needs to be treated right away and something that can wait until you get home, that's why it's very important to talk to your Dentist right away.

3. In Case of Emergency Overseas - If you are out of the country and absolutely in need of a dentist, get in touch with the local consulate or embassy. While talking to the concierge at the hotel is OK, ask the consulate and their employees for a recommendation. It’s an independent recommendation and not someone who may be driving business because of a contract or to a relative.

4. Forget Your Toothbrush? - Sunscreen? Check. Phone charger? Check. Toothbrush? Oops. If you find yourself temporarily without a toothbrush, you can rinse vigorously with water to wash away some of that cavity-causing bacteria. You could also put some toothpaste on a clean washcloth or your clean finger in a pinch. When you finally get to the nearest drugstore, look for a toothbrush with the softest brissles you can find.

5. Proper Toothbrush Transport - Letting your toothbrush air dry is how you keep your toothbrush clean at home, but that’s not always possible on vacation. What’s a traveling toothbrush to do? We recommend a clean plastic ziplock bag or a portable toothbrush container. Keeping your toothbrush clean and out of contact with other things is more important than making sure it’s dry on vacation. Keep your toothbrush separate from everything else in your luggage. When you get there, pop it open and let your brush air dry.

6. Pack a Pack of Gum - Chewing sugarless gum can help relieve ear pressure during a flight – and help keep cavities at bay on vacay. Research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities. That’s because it gets saliva flowing, which helps wash away cavity-causing bacteria. Sugarless gum is guaranteed to do the trick.

7. When In Doubt, Brush with Bottled Water - If you are in a country where the water supply is compromised – or you’re on a wilderness adventure but aren’t sure how clean the stream is – always use bottled water to brush. Don’t use the local water to brush your teeth. What happens if you accidentally get local water on your toothbrush? Get a new one if you can. If that isn’t possible, rinse your brush well with bottled water to reduce the risk of getting sick.

8. Get Back on Track After Your Trip - If you let brushing and flossing slide – or indulged in too many sweets while away – don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on your normal routine of brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing when you get home. 

For more tips or questions call Glenashton Dental Centre and make an appointment to speak to Dr.Bamrah and Associates.